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The first group of timber framers from the U.S. have arrived in Germany, for training and instruction at the Gewerbe Academy, a Zimmermann training facility in Rottweil. This is the first of two such groups headed for Germany; the second group leaves in February.

The training resulted from a surprise contribution to the auction at the Burlington conference, stimulated by some cross-cultural conversation during the Mafell tour last spring. Heiner Maute of the Gewerbe Academy and Oliver Amandi, principal of Dietrich's AG donated five single weeks of instruction at the Academy to the Guild. Auctioneer Sandy Bennett somehow managed to sell a total of 21 weeks of instruction (with a subsidy from the TFG coffers). It is our hope that we can use the experience to infuse our apprenticeship program with a bit of the legendary high-quality Zimmermann training. -- Joel McCarty.

Photos and text by Joel McCarty
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A traditional Black Forest building we visited with the builder.	The formal dedication panel to the left of the entrance of the house.	We attended a parade revolving around the Narrensprung.
Photos by Joel McCarty and Al Wallace
Rottweil is about 2000 years old as a fortified town, originally founded, it is thought, by the Romans, who were quickly displaced by the aggressive Alemannen tribes of this region, here on the edge of the Schwartswald (Black Forest). High above the headwaters of the Nekar River, on limestone cliffs, the town still looks and feels the part of its medieval incarnation, a Free City of powerful and prosperous merchants. While we are supposed to be studying timberwork at the school, we have been generously provided with time and guides to explore this beautiful city. More Photos